Industry Intelligence European Spa Gold List 2021
Swan Spa at Matild Palace, Hungary
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udapest’s Matild Palace, A Luxury Collection Hotel opened this year following a five-year project to convert a neglected UNESCO World Heritage Site into one of Europe’s grandest hotels. The transformation, led by Maria Vafiadis of MKV Design, included work on 111 guest rooms and 19 suites as well as the creation of the boutique Swan Spa. Continuing the city’s ancient reputation for thermal bathing, the 250sqm spa has a white marble hammam, a sauna, a salt and steam room, and separate lounges for men and women. The spa’s robes and slippers were supplied by FRETTE and two treatment rooms provide luxurious experiences for couples and individuals using ESPA products. Other suppliers include furnishings by GUBI and tapware by Dornbracht. “The spa journey begins in the light, in an all-white marble reception, before visitors retreat into deep petrol-blue spaces as if descending into the healing waters of the river,” said Maria Vafiadis. www.marriott.com
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Athenaeum Spa at Corinthia Palace, Malta
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he Corinthia Palace Hotel is a former 19th century private villa that was bought by Paul Pisani, the father of Corinthia founder and chairman Alfred. The latter first turned the villa into a restaurant before later transforming it into a 147-bedroom hotel. Key to the property’s luxury offering is the 2,000sqm Athenaeum Spa, which has been restructured by UK design firm Goddard Littlefair as part of a refurbishment that began in 2018 to celebrate the hotel’s 50th anniversary. As well as the original indoor swimming pool the spa has seven treatment rooms, a lounge, a Vitality Suite and a nail salon. Guests can enjoy ESPA experiences alongside nail treatments by Jessica and waxing by Ashmira. The spa renovations were supported by wellness consultant Paula Perkins, who told European Spa: “We sought to capture the unique essence of Malta... every design detail is set out to relax guests while instilling in them a real sense of place. www.corinthia.com
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